BILL REQ. #:  H-0671.2 

Read first time 01/21/2005.   Referred to Committee on Juvenile Justice & Family Law.

     AN ACT Relating to video games; and adding a new section to chapter 19.188 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 19.188 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section.
     (a) "Video game" means an object or device that stores recorded data or instructions, receives data or instructions generated by a person who uses it, and, by processing the data or instructions, creates an interactive game capable of being played, viewed, or experienced on or through a computer, gaming system, console, or other technology.
     (b) "Video game retailer" means a person who sells or rents video games to the public.
     (c) "Point of sale" means the location in the retail establishment at which a transaction occurs resulting in the sale or rental of a video game.
     (2) Every video game retailer shall post signs providing information to consumers about the existence of a nationally recognized video game rating system, or notifying consumers that a rating system is available, to aid in the selection of a game if such a rating system is in existence.
     (3) The signs shall be posted within the retail establishment in prominent areas near the video game displays and points of sale. The dimensions of the sign shall be a minimum of fourteen inches by eleven inches. The lettering shall be a size that is clearly visible to consumers.
     (4) A video game retailer shall make available to consumers, upon request, information that explains the video game rating system.
     (5) The video game retailer shall provide each consumer who rents or purchases a video game with information that explains the video game rating system.